DNR seeking public's input on various fishing regulations

The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled public meetings to discuss existing and proposed special fishing regulations for 15 lakes and one trout stream. Some of the regulations have regional significance, while others — such as those proposed for Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Lake Vermilion and the Namakan Reservoir — will be of interest to anglers statewide.

Thirteen meetings will be held. The DNR also will accept comments before and up to 10 days after the meetings. An open house also will be held at DNR headquarters in St. Paul on Sept. 26.

Topics, times and locations of regulations to be discussed include:

• Lake of the Woods and Rainy River walleye and sauger regulations, 6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, Lake of the Woods High School, Baudette.

• A duplicate special regulation governing walleye, crappie and sunfish angling on Minnesota-South Dakota border waters and clarifying the one-over-20 inch rule for walleye possession. Affected are Hendricks Lake in Lincoln County, Big Stone Lake in Big Stone County, Traverse Lake in Traverse County, Bois de Sioux River to the North Dakota Border in Traverse County and Mustinka River from its mouth to the State Highway 117 Bridge. Meeting time: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, DNR fisheries office, Ortonville.

For further regulation specifics and/or to comment, e-mail Al Stevens of the DNR at al.stevens@state.mn.us or call him 651-259-5239.

Dennis Anderson • danderson@startribune.com

Outdoors columnist and editor Dennis Anderson joined the Star Tribune in 1993 after serving in the same positions at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for 13 years. His column topics vary widely, and include canoeing, fishing, hunting, adventure travel and conservation of the environment.